RACING.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1928, Page 5

RACING.

ANOTHER RING-IN

(Australian Press Association)

SYDNEY, Oot. 24

There is another racing sensation. Five men had a horse rung in at Aludgee' races as Algoa, but it is believed to be identical with the gelding Silent Gold. All, were disqualified for iff A Silent Gold is owned by R. C. Allen, an A.J.G. committeeman, but he T eased it conditionally that it run onl\ at registered meetings.

MOLLTSON WITHDR AWN.

MELBOURNE, October 25

The prominent fancy, Mollison, has been withdrawn from the Derby. He has gone stale.

C.J.O. SCRATCHING. ' Oct. 25. Blimp was scratched for all C.J.O. engagements at 11.30 a.m. to-day.

RACECOURSES.

TO LIVEN THEM UP

LONDON, October 23.

Sir William Jovnson Smith (the Sydney press magnate) visted Newmarket Racecourse at the invitation of the “ Daily Express.” He made a remarkable offer to lease the Newmarket course or the Epsom course for £20,000 annually for . a decade, on condition that he was allowed fifteen days’ racing annually. Sir W. Joynton Smith s offer is made a front page story in the “Daily Express.” Sir W. Joynton Smith says he will bear any losses and pay half of any profits to charity. It was necessary,, he said, to popularise racing, and thus the prize money would be increased. He describes the Newmarket course as “ a cemetery of gaiety.” The grand stand was “like the top of a woolslied”; the “crowd was small and sullen ”; and there “was not a single laugh or smile.” The whole thing was “like a funeral without a, hand, without .lowers, and colourless.” ' He said the bookmakers were like “an open air convention of bankrupt moneylenders.” If the Jockey Club accepted his offer lie would guarantee to popularise racing on the Australian lines. He would tear up the dismal stone paving of Newmarket, and would substitute gardens, shrubs, and fountains. He would place the bookmakers beneath brilliantly coloured sunshades. He would employ a first class military band, open bettei restaurants, and buffets, and would create a spirit of carnival. If the bookmakers—who were the present owners of the course, boycotted him, she would return blow for blow and import bis own bookmakers. He would instal the totalisator as soon as it was legal. Sir W. Joynton Smith declares: “I have met competition before in Australia. I opened a course free and operated coaches to it free, to l>eat the opposition,' and J have tlie “ necessary ”to carry out my offer. There is only one traditional penalty: “If you are caught “bluffing” you lose the “pot.” If anyone “calls” lie can “see your hand,” and can also shuffle and cut before your deal.”

The “Daily Express” in its first editorial, says; “Doubtless the potentates will smile at the offer of Sir W. Joynton Smith, but they would do 'well to ponder upon it. Sir W. Joynton Smith’s idea is right.”